Cordless Mixer

Abstract

A cordless kitchen appliance ( 10 ) comprising a power unit ( 12 ), a detachable blade extension unit ( 14 ) and a base module ( 60 ); said power unit and said detachable extension unit adapted for retention in said base module when not in use; said detachable extension unit provided at a distal end with an open cage; said open cage ( 34 ) shrouding a blade assembly ( 52 ).

1 - 77 . (canceled) 
   
   
       78 . A cordless kitchen appliance commonly known as a “stick mixer” for the mixing of liquids and other food ingredients; said mixer comprising a power unit and a blade extension unit; said power unit adapted to accommodate first and second power sources; wherein said power unit is formed with a projecting upper body portion extending from a lower portion of said power unit; said first power source being disposed within said lower body portion; and wherein said second power source is disposed within said upper body portion. 
   
   
       79 . The appliance of  claim 78  wherein said lower body portion is shaped for grasping by the hand of a user, and said projecting upper body portion is angled relative said lower body portion; said upper body portion arranged to nestle against said hand grasping said lower body portion. 
   
   
       80 . The appliance of  claim 78  wherein said first and second power sources comprise first and second battery clusters. 
   
   
       81 . The appliance of  claim 80  wherein each of said first and second battery clusters comprises AA size battery cells. 
   
   
       82 . The appliance of  claim 81  wherein said battery cells are rechargeable battery cells. 
   
   
       83 . The appliance of  claim 80  wherein each of said first and second battery clusters comprises four AA size battery cells. 
   
   
       84 . The appliance of  claim 80  wherein said first and second battery clusters comprise four and six AA size battery cells respectively. 
   
   
       85 . The appliance of  claim 78  wherein said power unit is detachable from said blade extension unit. 
   
   
       86 . The appliance of  claim 78  wherein said power unit is provided with an on/off switch and a speed control switch. 
   
   
       87 . The appliance of  claim 86  wherein said on/off switch and said speed control switch are mounted within said lower body portion behind a portion of said body formed of a flexible material such that said on/off switch and said speed control switch may be operated by pressure applied with the fingers of said hand grasping said lower body portion. 
   
   
       88 . An open cage and blade assembly of a cordless “stick mixer” kitchen appliance for mixing food ingredients; said open cage comprising struts spaced around said cage and a skirt; said struts extending from a distal end of a mixer blade extension unit to a proximate edge of said skirt; said skirt comprising a ring element concentric with a drive shaft of said mixer; said blade assembly including at least one angled disc. 
   
   
       89 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 88  wherein said ring element is provided with raised arches or crenellations at a distal edge of said skirt; said crenellations separated by downwardly projecting portions. 
   
   
       90 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 88  wherein spaces between said struts and spaces formed by said crenellations allow flow of said food ingredients into and out of said open cage. 
   
   
       91 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 89  wherein said projecting portions are provided with sharpened edges adapted for cutting solid elements of said food ingredients. 
   
   
       92 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 88  wherein said at least one angled disc is affixed to a distal end of said drive shaft; said disc proximate to a plane defined by edges of said projecting portions. 
   
   
       93 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 88  wherein an axis of said at least one angled disc intersects an axis of said drive shaft at an angle. 
   
   
       94 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 88  wherein said at least one angled disc rotates proximate a surface of a container when said downward projecting portions are in contact with said surface; rotation of said disc exerting compressive forces on liquid and solid constituents of said food mixture between said disc and said surface . 
   
   
       95 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 88  wherein said blade extension unit is releasably attached to a power unit; said power unit including first and second battery power sources. 
   
   
       96 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 88  wherein said drive shaft is adapted at said proximate end for engagement with an output shaft of said power unit. 
   
   
       97 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 95  wherein said first and second battery power sources comprise first and second battery clusters of rechargeable AA size battery cells. 
   
   
       98 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 95  wherein said power unit is formed with a projecting upper body portion extending from a lower portion of said power unit; said first battery power source being disposed within said lower body portion; and wherein said second battery power source is disposed within said upper body portion. 
   
   
       99 . The cage and blade assembly of  claim 98  wherein said lower body portion is shaped for grasping by the hand of a user, and said projecting upper body portion is angled relative said lower body portion; said upper body portion arranged to nestle against said hand grasping said lower body portion.